User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 6/12/2014 2:23:13 AM EDT
[#1]
Speaking as a contractor, most of the military I have dealt with while doing the job have been pretty cool. Have had a few idiots, andif I never have to converse with NCIS again I will be a happy man. I shared a guardtower once with a National Guard private that thought it was a good idea to use the Elcan mounted on M249 to watch Iraqi kids playing soccer. I told him to knock it off and let him borrow my binos.
Pay wise I started out getting officer's pay to do a private's job and ended up doing a lieutenant's job for a Specialist's paycheck. I loved every minute of it though. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/12/2014 11:10:57 AM EDT
[#2]
I jumped ship from the military in 09 to become a contractor and it's been good, other than the op tempo, being deployed something like 8-9 months a year it's awesome, money for my job has been great and I've score just about the perfect job and I've been going to Africa lately. No CRC and way less headache getting to my job site.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/25/2014 5:33:14 PM EDT
[#3]
Was a contractor for 4 years for the Navy. Worked with 5th Fleet officers on a daily basis. Had the 5th Fleet CDR call me a liar when I reported on a car bomb the Saudis were chasing that Navy Intel had no visibility on. Had a couple cool mustang officers but most thumbed their nose at me because I was a retired NCO, had actual combat experience and made about 3 times the money they did.
Got worse when they found out about my combat experience. I guess they were intimidated or envious. I don't know what made them such assholes but I did shut them up more than once with intel I reported they had no knowledge of. I designed and constructed a perimeter security system that successfully prevented a car bomb from entering the base in Iraq, but to them I wasn't qualified to suggest improvements to their own base. Was hired to provide anti-terrorism and force protection expertise to the shore based Navy and was called a liar and ignored on a regular basis. Got sick of it and walked away from a 6 figure income to get away from the bullshit and my ass kissing supervisor. Your mileage may vary. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2014 11:06:33 AM EDT
[#4]
I once rip'd out with contractors on a force pro mission. They were decent, almost all of them were prior service military.
We had a good laugh at how "high speed" they were, carrying around multiple primary weapons, shotguns, pistols, etc etc. Moving in tactical formations inside the fob in full kit while we were standing there smoking and joking. But all in all not a bad group of guys to deal with. Were definitely making a lot more money than we were. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/27/2014 10:22:42 PM EDT
[#5]
In Afghanistan I hung out with a bunch of British contractors all the time. They took really good care of us, and we helped them out any way we could. Their "boss" was a retired Royal Army SgtMaj, and the rest of his crew looked like a mix of soccer hooligans and convicts. They were all legit though.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/21/2014 4:10:03 PM EDT
[#6]
In my experience the relationship between contractors and active duty is fine, in general- (I was AD for 20 years and am a contractor now). Most of the drama usually happens at the command/leadership level vs. the "joe" level. On the other hand, internal drama for contractors is worse than anything I ever saw on AD. Pointless self-inflicted BS 99% of the time.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/10/2014 12:41:57 PM EDT
[#7]
contractors I've seen have had a real decent pay check and had good distance from thier "flag pole". job security points go to .mil. don't ever take a change of contract mid mission if your private sector, separate contracts will be less time abroad on a continuous contract and you will be taxed. Heavily. this is a big reason private contractors pay is considered to be so substantial. private contractors usually have liberty with thier "kit" but often times are in soft vehicles so while they look cool and high speed they can be more vulnerable. I've seen 1SG and SGM douches who required all "kit's to be worn dress right dress and lead to ineffective soldiers due to different weapons systems and not having correct pockets for ammo ie m249 nut sacks carried in cargo pants pockets
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/30/2014 10:14:15 AM EDT
[#8]
I worked under WPS/WPPS and we always had a good working relationship with the mil guys, no different from any other group of people really. There were shit bags in the PMC side and the mil side, but 99% were good people. Similarly there were guys from both sides I wouldn't put in charge of running a shift at a gas station, let alone trust them with my life, and there was an equal number of people who were completely squared away.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2014 12:45:05 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
My understanding is that there are lots of private security contractors working in Iraq and other places around the world. What's the relationship between you guys and them? Are they the pricks or are you guys the pricks? Do you help each other out? Who gets paid better and who has the better equipment? Any insight would be appreciated. I have been curious about it for a while. Also, thank you for your service! There are tons of guys out here doing my exact same job only with slightly less capability for what was, until recently, $800/day. It's now a paltry ~$650/day. So, they make more money. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2014 9:49:03 PM EDT
[#10]
That money is rare these days! A lot of guys think it's going to be like Blackwater '05. It's not.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There are tons of guys out here doing my exact same job only with slightly less capability for what was, until recently, $800/day. It's now a paltry ~$650/day. So, they make more money. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
My understanding is that there are lots of private security contractors working in Iraq and other places around the world. What's the relationship between you guys and them? Are they the pricks or are you guys the pricks? Do you help each other out? Who gets paid better and who has the better equipment? Any insight would be appreciated. I have been curious about it for a while. Also, thank you for your service! There are tons of guys out here doing my exact same job only with slightly less capability for what was, until recently, $800/day. It's now a paltry ~$650/day. So, they make more money. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/5/2014 10:00:08 PM EDT
[#11]
The contractors I conversed with the most in Iraq did force protection. The company was EODT, everyone I met was from South Africa, and they were pretty squared away. For some reason they couldn't get smoke grenades, and would trade for them. They were very professional and competent, I have no idea what kind of salary they made.
I've worked with plenty of support contractors in the states. Most of them are in their office for 30 hours a week, work about 10-15 hours a week, and take home anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000 a year for it. Government civilians are about the same. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/6/2014 7:20:48 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That money is rare these days! A lot of guys think it's going to be like Blackwater '05. It's not. Quote HistoryQuoted:
That money is rare these days! A lot of guys think it's going to be like Blackwater '05. It's not. Quoted:
Quoted:
My understanding is that there are lots of private security contractors working in Iraq and other places around the world. What's the relationship between you guys and them? Are they the pricks or are you guys the pricks? Do you help each other out? Who gets paid better and who has the better equipment? Any insight would be appreciated. I have been curious about it for a while. Also, thank you for your service! There are tons of guys out here doing my exact same job only with slightly less capability for what was, until recently, $800/day. It's now a paltry ~$650/day. So, they make more money. Yea, I imagine these days it's definitely the exception...but that 650 figure came from a guy who used to be in my unit that I ran into at the DFAC yesterday (the day of that post)...and that's the contract he just deployed under. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/6/2014 6:38:07 PM EDT
[#13]
There's a much larger pool and less work to go around these days. One of the pluses to BW was that they hired Americans, a lot of companies are now hiring managers for Shift Supervisor/Team Leader/Program Manager and the plain jane contractors are 'third world nationals' who make what we made per day in anywhere from a week to a month. They done outsourced the outsourced jobs
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/9/2014 3:32:29 PM EDT
[#14]
I was up in a little cop called pacemaker and a group of guys from tundra stratagies we're manning the Ecp and a couple towers. I remember when I first saw them I thought local nationals were on the Ecp searching people lol but turns out it was the cool guys. We all liked them and had no problems.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 11/12/2014 4:48:21 AM EDT
[#15]
Try $175/day, with 21 days off/year being the "New Normal". That's what Academi is offering for working in Helmand. Yes, HELMAND.
I do better than that in Saudi Arabia, although the Saudi drivers make me fear for my life more than I ever did in Kunduz. 
My old firm (a Brit outfit) is bidding on a new contract in A-stan, although I have no idea what the compensation and rotation will be, I can't imagine it being better than what any Constellis Holdings firm is offering since they consolidated most of the US employers. |
|
|
|
Posted: 11/12/2014 9:57:57 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Try $175/day, with 21 days off/year being the "New Normal". That's what Academi is offering for working in Helmand. Yes, HELMAND.
I do better than that in Saudi Arabia, although the Saudi drivers make me fear for my life more than I ever did in Kunduz.
My old firm (a Brit outfit) is bidding on a new contract in A-stan, although I have no idea what the compensation and rotation will be, I can't imagine it being better than what any Constellis Holdings firm is offering since they consolidated most of the US employers. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/7/2014 12:51:21 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Try $175/day, with 21 days off/year being the "New Normal". That's what Academi is offering for working in Helmand. Yes, HELMAND.
I do better than that in Saudi Arabia, although the Saudi drivers make me fear for my life more than I ever did in Kunduz.
My old firm (a Brit outfit) is bidding on a new contract in A-stan, although I have no idea what the compensation and rotation will be, I can't imagine it being better than what any Constellis Holdings firm is offering since they consolidated most of the US employers. Our unit in Afghanistan has a former ODA guy as a contractor doing routine desk work making crazy pay on a great rotation. It's got to be hell for him working a computer every day, but I guess the check is worth it. Though maybe the reason he's working this job is because the security contractor pool is drying up so much. ETA: I guess not "crazy" pay, but in the 6-figure range for 8 months of work/year. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/7/2014 1:22:12 PM EDT
[#18]
Some new contracts have been awarded. Olive Group is paying US$195/day for airfield security at Bagram, requiring a clearance, and Aegis is paying US$163/day at Kandahar, also requiring a clearance.
Yeah, I guess I'll stick in Saudi. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/7/2014 5:35:00 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Some new contracts have been awarded. Olive Group is paying US$195/day for airfield security at Bagram, requiring a clearance, and Aegis is paying US$163/day at Kandahar, also requiring a clearance. Yeah, I guess I'll stick in Saudi. Come to Africa....750$/day, in the right spots. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/7/2014 5:46:48 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Come to Africa....750$/day, in the right spots. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Some new contracts have been awarded. Olive Group is paying US$195/day for airfield security at Bagram, requiring a clearance, and Aegis is paying US$163/day at Kandahar, also requiring a clearance. Yeah, I guess I'll stick in Saudi. Come to Africa....750$/day, in the right spots. More than willing. All of the gigs I've seen needed a clearance or combat arms experience I don't have. Due to my living overseas for the last 10 years, a clearance is out. If you know of any that don't, I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/7/2014 5:55:18 PM EDT
[#21]
sorry dude, I canthelp you there, geting a clearance is going to open up those doors. i am fortunate that my company just re-upped my TS/SCI, thats big money.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/7/2014 6:08:06 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
sorry dude, I canthelp you there, geting a clearance is going to open up those doors. i am fortunate that my company just re-upped my TS/SCI, thats big money. Kind of figured. I still have my ear to the ground, though. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/8/2014 8:35:22 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
sorry dude, I canthelp you there, geting a clearance is going to open up those doors. i am fortunate that my company just re-upped my TS/SCI, thats big money. Total pain in the dick though lol |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/8/2014 12:18:07 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Total pain in the dick though lol Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
sorry dude, I canthelp you there, geting a clearance is going to open up those doors. i am fortunate that my company just re-upped my TS/SCI, thats big money. Total pain in the dick though lol Which part is a PITD??? |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/8/2014 12:33:34 PM EDT
[#25]
Couple of guys that served with me went to work in Iraq as PMCs with a company named Custer's Battles LLC (big red flag). The company had a big lawsuit (one of many) for a contract they had to provide security at BIAP, using seized Iraqi funds from the Saddam era. Eventually the company went under in 2009 and the wife of the owner got arrested in Germany while trying to funnel millions of dollars out of her account.
One of the guys in my platoon (see my signature) was killed while working with them in 2004 while my squad leader (he was inside the vehicle) was severely injured in the same incident. As a matter of fact; the team they were both in was featured by Soldier Of Fortune magazine (gotta dig it out of my locker to see what year it is). But it had one of the guys holding an RPK on the cover. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/9/2014 12:34:40 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Which part is a PITD??? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
sorry dude, I canthelp you there, geting a clearance is going to open up those doors. i am fortunate that my company just re-upped my TS/SCI, thats big money. Total pain in the dick though lol Which part is a PITD??? The WHOLE part |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/12/2014 3:24:47 PM EDT
[#27]
Of all the BS I've ever had to do either in theMilitary or as a contractor getting a clearance ranks low on Pains in the Ass, especially so that the SF86 is done electronically
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/14/2014 2:54:37 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Of all the BS I've ever had to do either in theMilitary or as a contractor getting a clearance ranks low on Pains in the Ass, especially so that the SF86 is done electronically Suppose in the grand scheme of things that's fair....but my security manager last time I renewed made it miserable. There was a whole litany of "local requirements" (like no "estimated" dates, no "unknown", a requirement to go beyond what the form asked for in work history, etc) and she kicked it back so many times for revisions that she literally ended up telling me I needed to correct changes that SHE DIRECTED several iterations prior. And I was trying to coordinate all of that crap while deployed....it was a 2 month long headache for a final product that really didn't have any more usable info than the original. Also had technical problems with the site on more than one occasion that I had to go through her to fix. And then of course there's the interview, and potentially other requirements. It's just an annoying process. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/23/2015 12:49:57 PM EDT
[#29]
Seems to me that's more of an issue with your security manager and that she was just an anal retentive individual. I did mine while deployed and honestly it took me maybe 3-4 hours and I was done, submitted and am currently awaiting an interview.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/23/2015 3:08:06 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seems to me that's more of an issue with your security manager and that she was just an anal retentive individual. I did mine while deployed and honestly it took me maybe 3-4 hours and I was done, submitted and am currently awaiting an interview. Yea...suppose it's just always been a shitty process for me, but that the process itself isn't necessarily shitty. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/16/2015 11:50:23 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Come to Africa....750$/day, in the right spots. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Some new contracts have been awarded. Olive Group is paying US$195/day for airfield security at Bagram, requiring a clearance, and Aegis is paying US$163/day at Kandahar, also requiring a clearance. Yeah, I guess I'll stick in Saudi. Come to Africa....750$/day, in the right spots. What company? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/13/2015 4:05:12 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Couple of guys that served with me went to work in Iraq as PMCs with a company named Custer's Battles LLC (big red flag). The company had a big lawsuit (one of many) for a contract they had to provide security at BIAP, using seized Iraqi funds from the Saddam era. Eventually the company went under in 2009 and the wife of the owner got arrested in Germany while trying to funnel millions of dollars out of her account. One of the guys in my platoon (see my signature) was killed while working with them in 2004 while my squad leader (he was inside the vehicle) was severely injured in the same incident. As a matter of fact; the team they were both in was featured by Soldier Of Fortune magazine (gotta dig it out of my locker to see what year it is). But it had one of the guys holding an RPK on the cover. HUGE fucking red flag. Im sorry to hear that bro. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/13/2015 4:51:37 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Suppose in the grand scheme of things that's fair....but my security manager last time I renewed made it miserable. There was a whole litany of "local requirements" (like no "estimated" dates, no "unknown", a requirement to go beyond what the form asked for in work history, etc) and she kicked it back so many times for revisions that she literally ended up telling me I needed to correct changes that SHE DIRECTED several iterations prior. And I was trying to coordinate all of that crap while deployed....it was a 2 month long headache for a final product that really didn't have any more usable info than the original. Also had technical problems with the site on more than one occasion that I had to go through her to fix. And then of course there's the interview, and potentially other requirements. It's just an annoying process. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Of all the BS I've ever had to do either in theMilitary or as a contractor getting a clearance ranks low on Pains in the Ass, especially so that the SF86 is done electronically Suppose in the grand scheme of things that's fair....but my security manager last time I renewed made it miserable. There was a whole litany of "local requirements" (like no "estimated" dates, no "unknown", a requirement to go beyond what the form asked for in work history, etc) and she kicked it back so many times for revisions that she literally ended up telling me I needed to correct changes that SHE DIRECTED several iterations prior. And I was trying to coordinate all of that crap while deployed....it was a 2 month long headache for a final product that really didn't have any more usable info than the original. Also had technical problems with the site on more than one occasion that I had to go through her to fix. And then of course there's the interview, and potentially other requirements. It's just an annoying process. Yeah, I've seen that stuff before. Some of it is because they know the interviewer isn't going to be happy without the exact information. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/14/2015 9:27:55 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Suppose in the grand scheme of things that's fair....but my security manager last time I renewed made it miserable. There was a whole litany of "local requirements" (like no "estimated" dates, no "unknown", a requirement to go beyond what the form asked for in work history, etc) and she kicked it back so many times for revisions that she literally ended up telling me I needed to correct changes that SHE DIRECTED several iterations prior. And I was trying to coordinate all of that crap while deployed....it was a 2 month long headache for a final product that really didn't have any more usable info than the original. Also had technical problems with the site on more than one occasion that I had to go through her to fix. And then of course there's the interview, and potentially other requirements. It's just an annoying process. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Of all the BS I've ever had to do either in theMilitary or as a contractor getting a clearance ranks low on Pains in the Ass, especially so that the SF86 is done electronically Suppose in the grand scheme of things that's fair....but my security manager last time I renewed made it miserable. There was a whole litany of "local requirements" (like no "estimated" dates, no "unknown", a requirement to go beyond what the form asked for in work history, etc) and she kicked it back so many times for revisions that she literally ended up telling me I needed to correct changes that SHE DIRECTED several iterations prior. And I was trying to coordinate all of that crap while deployed....it was a 2 month long headache for a final product that really didn't have any more usable info than the original. Also had technical problems with the site on more than one occasion that I had to go through her to fix. And then of course there's the interview, and potentially other requirements. It's just an annoying process. I do background investigations for OPM......while you make think she's going above and beyond, she's doing the right thing and making it easier for the investigator when they finally interview you. I can't tell you how many times I've interviewed somebody and they get indignant that I would ask them about dates and stuff when the form lets them put UNK or whatever. Hey, its your clearance, do you want it or not? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/17/2015 10:49:26 PM EDT
[#35]
Anyone willing to tell a few stories? My brother was about to leave the Core before the contractors became known that well.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/18/2015 6:56:29 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anyone willing to tell a few stories? My brother was about to leave the Core before the contractors became known that well. You might as well have just stabbed me in my eyeball by saying core. Corps. United States Marine Corps. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/11/2015 8:36:22 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Couple of guys that served with me went to work in Iraq as PMCs with a company named Custer's Battles LLC (big red flag). The company had a big lawsuit (one of many) for a contract they had to provide security at BIAP, using seized Iraqi funds from the Saddam era. Eventually the company went under in 2009 and the wife of the owner got arrested in Germany while trying to funnel millions of dollars out of her account. One of the guys in my platoon (see my signature) was killed while working with them in 2004 while my squad leader (he was inside the vehicle) was severely injured in the same incident. As a matter of fact; the team they were both in was featured by Soldier Of Fortune magazine (gotta dig it out of my locker to see what year it is). But it had one of the guys holding an RPK on the cover. I was a contractor, K9 handler for the Army in 2005 and 2008. In 05 I lived at the CB camp at BIAP. I did not work for them nor did I ever go out with them just shared there camp. Seemed to me that some of there guys where good at there job and some where . I heard stories about some shit that I normally would not have believed but seeing and hearing some of there guys around camp I believed it. .
I know they where running around with AT4's and other no no goodies all the time. Did see some Military guys go out with them on occasion. Yes there was a story about one of there teams in late 04 or early 05 in SOF. Like I said there was some crazy stories about them and Crescent Security company based in Kuwait. Crescent had 3 or 4 guys kidnaped and killed in 05 or 06 They up and moved to another location half way through 05 and from what I was told they where getting there CAT cards revoked and weapons taken away when they entered US Camps, FOB's. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/11/2015 8:50:57 PM EDT
[#38]
As a DOD contractor working in Iraq a explosive detection, tracking dog, I worked with the Army everyday I was in country.
In 2005 I would go out on patrols and raids with various units as well as working ECP's on Victory and RPC. I personally always maintained a good relationship with the many units I regularly went out with. Same for 2008 but I always worked with the same guys for the most part. We and the Army guys where basically just one big team, worked day in and day out together so we had a good relationship plus over half my team where former military. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/11/2015 8:58:12 PM EDT
[#39]
I worked for CJSOTF in eastern Afghanistan and loved it. The SF team I worked for was a blast (literally) to work with.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2015 8:26:30 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anyone willing to tell a few stories? My brother was about to leave the Core before the contractors became known that well. Fuckin fix yourself. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/25/2015 11:00:16 AM EDT
[#41]
I need to find a super awesome logistics contracting job. Lol.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/24/2015 3:45:27 PM EDT
[#42]
Not so sure about the big money, as compared to a military service member....compare the total benefit package, say with someone with ten years experience in that occupational speciality, a spouse w/2 kids.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/24/2015 9:30:23 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not so sure about the big money, as compared to a military service member....compare the total benefit package, say with someone with ten years experience in that occupational speciality, a spouse w/2 kids. For someone with 8-12 years of mil experience, switching to contractor will most likely be a 10-30% cut in pay and benefits. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/25/2016 1:12:59 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For someone with 8-12 years of mil experience, switching to contractor will most likely be a 10-30% cut in pay and benefits. Then you have the wrong skills. Everyone and their mom can do security; most (much, anyway) is being farmed out to third world countries that cost less. You have to have a skill that someone needs reasonably badly, and not everyone can do. Standing holding a rifle is not it. Also, most of the holiday rotations (in my field) are three months in, three weeks out, and a plane ticket to just about anywhere on the planet I want to go. There are two separate job pools... jobs funded by American money, and jobs not funded by American money. American companies usually only hire Americans, and are often run by guys who think they are in the military. The other job pool (or 'circuit', as some folks like to call it), hires everyone else (and a few Americans from time to time). Some of these guys resent Americans, and usually for good reason (the contract I was on in Afghanistan fired all of the Brits because...they weren't American). Sometimes you have to build bridges. The advantage to being on the non-American circuit, is that your company is not servile to the IRS, and you can legally not pay taxes up to about $100,000 per year (if you stay outside of the US most of the year). That, and you make international friends and get a chance to see the world through the eyes of internationals. The good jobs are always word of mouth, and based on reputation... but, every now and then, luck and a companies desperate need for your skill set will open some unexpected doors. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/26/2016 11:38:04 PM EDT
[#45]
Worked with quite a few PMC contractors in 04. High speed low drag types mostly and they were cool and professional.
I did the contractor thing 2 months after I retired. Got hired because of my AT/FP experience then got called a liar by the Navy 5th Fleet Commander when I reported a car bomber being chased by the Saudis 18 miles from his base. Apparently the Navy intel guys had no visibility on the report I made. It doesn't pay to embarrass big Navy. I found the report on the Airforce AFOSI high side reporting chain. I guess the Navy only listened to there own intel. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/27/2016 12:04:22 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Then you have the wrong skills. Everyone and their mom can do security; most (much, anyway) is being farmed out to third world countries that cost less. You have to have a skill that someone needs reasonably badly, and not everyone can do. Standing holding a rifle is not it. Also, most of the holiday rotations (in my field) are three months in, three weeks out, and a plane ticket to just about anywhere on the planet I want to go. There are two separate job pools... jobs funded by American money, and jobs not funded by American money. American companies usually only hire Americans, and are often run by guys who think they are in the military. The other job pool (or 'circuit', as some folks like to call it), hires everyone else (and a few Americans from time to time). Some of these guys resent Americans, and usually for good reason (the contract I was on in Afghanistan fired all of the Brits because...they weren't American). Sometimes you have to build bridges. The advantage to being on the non-American circuit, is that your company is not servile to the IRS, and you can legally not pay taxes up to about $100,000 per year (if you stay outside of the US most of the year). That, and you make international friends and get a chance to see the world through the eyes of internationals. The good jobs are always word of mouth, and based on reputation... but, every now and then, luck and a companies desperate need for your skill set will open some unexpected doors. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
For someone with 8-12 years of mil experience, switching to contractor will most likely be a 10-30% cut in pay and benefits. Then you have the wrong skills. Everyone and their mom can do security; most (much, anyway) is being farmed out to third world countries that cost less. You have to have a skill that someone needs reasonably badly, and not everyone can do. Standing holding a rifle is not it. Also, most of the holiday rotations (in my field) are three months in, three weeks out, and a plane ticket to just about anywhere on the planet I want to go. There are two separate job pools... jobs funded by American money, and jobs not funded by American money. American companies usually only hire Americans, and are often run by guys who think they are in the military. The other job pool (or 'circuit', as some folks like to call it), hires everyone else (and a few Americans from time to time). Some of these guys resent Americans, and usually for good reason (the contract I was on in Afghanistan fired all of the Brits because...they weren't American). Sometimes you have to build bridges. The advantage to being on the non-American circuit, is that your company is not servile to the IRS, and you can legally not pay taxes up to about $100,000 per year (if you stay outside of the US most of the year). That, and you make international friends and get a chance to see the world through the eyes of internationals. The good jobs are always word of mouth, and based on reputation... but, every now and then, luck and a companies desperate need for your skill set will open some unexpected doors. I don't do physical security. I work in an office, where 12 years advanced technical experience is required to get in the door. Nearly everyone in this town has taken a paycut since sequestration kicked in. Very few newcomers make more than when they were on active duty. Most try to make the same, and get laughed at. This is all technical jobs requiring experience, degrees and a clearance. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2017 4:50:30 AM EDT
[#47]
I'm retired .mil and contracting in Kuwait right now. I'm a log guy and sit behind a computer all day. I'm making almost as much money as I did on AD when I retired. It's not much different than being a Soldier. I still do most of the same stuff, except "be in charge."
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
